Chicago at Washington

The Chicago Bulls have more than had their hands full vs. the upstart Washington Wizards. Chicago's biggest problem is their offense that averaged a league-low 93.7 points per game this season. That is partly due to the fact that they play a possession game with a strong defense, but it isn't all. They shoot just 43.7% as a team, also a league low. Washington has picked a good time to be playing their best basketball of the season, as they have won six straight, tying their season high, and look to make it a season best seven tonight at home. The Bulls' poor offense means one thing - they have to come into this game with defensive fire. But, the Wizards know that they have to match that intensity early on, and with the home crowd behind them, look for a huge effort early on the defensive end. Since their longest winning streak of the season at seven games, the Bulls have fallen sharply to go just 1-4 since. Their track record on two days rest is horrid at 11-27-1 ATS in their last 39. Washington has been rock solid against a winning team at home where they are 17-8 ATS in their last 25. These teams have a history playing low and ugly in Washington, as the UNDER is 17-5-1 in the last two meetings. Before fouls can extend the game late, I like the UNDER prospects in the first half. Using the eye test from the first two games, and what is happening right now mentally on both sides, the choice is clear here. Make the play on Washington and take the first half UNDER.